How to Survive the first 6 Weeks of Motherhood

The first six weeks of having both my daughter Poppy and my son Louis were without a doubt the hardest weeks of my life so far.

Like so many women I had this dreamy image of what those early days would be like. I truly believed once my babies arrived everything would be wonderful and I’d feel calm and content as they snuggled up to me and I sang them lullabies.

Well here’s the truth… the first six weeks are unbelievably hard and exhausting and you’ll probably cry and want to run away at some point. Things do magically seem to improve after that, especially when your baby smiles at you for the first time.

If you’re about to embark on or are in the midst of those first difficult six weeks, here’s my survival guide:

1.You’re going to feel pretty battered and bruised after the birth, whether you have done it naturally or had a c-section. Some women don’t only feel the physical effects but may also suffer from Post Traumatic Stress if they had a difficult time. Take it easy, don’t do too much and let people help you. Don’t panic if you feel tearful or anxious. This is all normal. Also don’t worry if there isn’t an instant bond with your baby. Again, this happens a lot. In short, don’t put pressure on yourself post birth.

2. Sleep is going to be minimal at the beginning as your baby will be waking up every 2-3 hours for milk. I survived the seemingly endless nights by watching box-sets while I did the feeds. Game of Thrones literally got me through this time in my life. I kind of miss being able to watch that much TV in one go!

3. Buy yourself a really gorgeous, comfy pair of PJs that make you feel good. (ASOS do some great ones – see below). You may not have the energy to actually get dressed but pretty, patterned PJs will make you feel slightly better and are also great for when all the guests arrive.

4. Don’t worry if you’re finding it hard to master breastfeeding. It takes many women a good few weeks to even begin to get the hang of it. Ask for help from your GP/a breastfeeding specialist/your health visitor/midwife. Oh and don’t drive yourself crazy if you really don’t want to or can’t breastfeed. Formula is not made of poisonous slug slime as many people might have you believe… it has sustained many a baby.

5. Remember to eat and drink. If you’re breastfeeding, always have water/squash to hand.

6. If you feel shit then tell people. Don’t suffer in silence because you feel like you should be happy. There is no should when you have a baby. Your hormones are up the spout, you are knackered and you’re trying to sustain this tiny creature who is new to the world. Talk about how you feel so if you’re not coping you can get help.

7. Sleep when you can. If your other half works and insists on sleeping at night while you get up every few hours then tell him to bugger off. You are also working a full day with your baby and he needs to muck in. You are both in this together and you both need your sleep.

8. Get out of the house when you can. Don’t spend days at home alone. Things will feel so much better if you have the odd coffee with a fellow Mum. There are apps like Mush that can help you find other mums in your area if you haven’t met Mums through classes like NCT.

9. Smile in the knowledge that things will get easier. I promise you these hard days are fleeting and in a few months time you will hardly remember them. (In a few years you will look back at them fondly and with longing.)

10. Finally… I find that when times get REALLY tough it helps to blast this out and sing along

If you’ve just had a baby join your birth club and talk (anonymously) to other mums who have also just had their baby.

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